The Myers-Briggs test is great for determining people’s individual personalities, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. Some are known for leadership and innovation, while others are more nurturing. Interestingly, of the 16 different personality types, some might be more prone to attract narcissists, while others are almost invulnerable to their wiles. Let’s take a look at eight of the 16 types to see which four are most vulnerable, and which can spot them a mile away (and then run quickly in the opposite direction).
Most Vulnerable
INFP
INFP types feel deeply on every level. They’re often incredibly intuitive, gentle, altruistic souls who are drawn towards beauty and kindness. Many INFPs are creatives, such as artists, actors, or musicians, while others are drawn to caregiving careers such as nursing or child care. They’re also likely to be the most vulnerable to narcissistic abuse and manipulation.
These deep, nurturing souls tend to fall in love with people’s potential, and often gloss over raging red flags because they’re so idealistic about who that person might really be inside. As a result, they may endure mistreatment far longer than they should, and believe that the person abusing them is simply deeply flawed and can be “fixed” if they only receive enough love, care, and understanding.
INFJ
Although they also lean towards introversion, INFJ types are no wallflowers. They’re known as the “advocates” of the Myers-Briggs family, as they’re deeply devoted to causes that they feel strongly about. You may find them working as pro bono lawyers, fundraisers, or medics with organizations like Doctors Without Borders.
The reason they tend to be vulnerable to narcissists is because of their stalwart loyalty and dedication to those they love. Since a narcissist’s delusions of grandeur mean they love nothing more than to be with people who show them complete adoration and devotion, they’re innately drawn to this type. In turn, INFJs’ intense loyalty and reluctance to “give up” on a relationship can keep them stuck with a narcissist long-term.
ISFJ
ISFJ people are similar to the INFJ ones above, in that they’re dedicated to living in service to others. They’re often emergency room nurses, paramedics, outreach spiritual workers, social workers, and are known as the “defender” personality types. They’re selfless and loyal and are utterly dedicated to the causes they devote themselves to.
This type of selflessness and loyalty is prized by narcissists, who bask in this devotion and use it to their greatest advantage. Sadly, the INFJ’s commitment to serving others, especially those they care about, can cause them to tolerate even the most manipulative and harmful behavior. They perpetually see the bright side and seek peace and harmony above all else, and thus will avoid confronting major issues until they have no other choice.
ENFJ
This is the “hero” personality; the type who will leap into action to do what’s right and will work tirelessly to achieve a noble goal. You’ll find ENFJ types in politics, social justice movements, environmental advocacy, and fundraising events, where their natural charisma and enthusiasm will motivate even the toughest crowds.
Unfortunately, this dedication to helping others can be their greatest downfall. They’ll seek to help others even if those people don’t want to be helped, and when doing so is to their own detriment. These heroes might wear themselves into the ground trying to heal a narcissist because they feel that if they leave, they’re giving up on a cause that matters to them.
Least Vulnerable
INTJ
The INTJ type, called the “architect”, is known for logic, reason, and intellect over emotion, particularly the “assertive” INTJ-A personality type. This is my personality type, and we’re often joked about as being cold or robot-like because of our stoicism and fierce independence. Those of us who fall into this category are practically invulnerable to narcissists because none of their usual approaches work on us.
Manipulation, guilt trips, gaslighting, emotional outbursts, and other common tactics used by narcissists slide off us like water off a duck’s back, and will be met with contempt rather than pity or a desire to save them. Furthermore, we can generally spot a narcissist a mile away because of our ability to recognize patterns and information inconsistency.
Note: An exception to this is the “turbulent” INTJ-T type: they tend to be indecisive and distrust their own instincts, which a wily narcissist may be able to manoeuvre to their advantage.
INTP
The “logicians” of the Myers-Briggs spectrum are the INTPs — those who love to solve puzzles and get creative in their attempt to understand the world around them. They’re deep thinkers and often pursue careers as scientists, historians, and philosophers. And they often get so lost in thought that they lose awareness of what’s going on around them.
This analytical nature of theirs is immensely frustrating to a narcissist because an INTP will think, reason, and dissect before they consider feeling much of anything. That said, if they do get into a relationship with a manipulative abuser, their emotional detachment may cause them to stick around and tolerate mistreatment because they’re seeking to intellectualize (and thus solve) their narcissistic partner’s abusive behavior.
ENTJ
ENTJ people are known as “commanders”. They’re the boss babes and no-nonsense drill sergeant type people who are utterly straightforward and brook no bull whatsoever. After INTJs, they’re the least likely to succumb to a narcissist’s nonsense because they have zero tolerance for games, and will immediately put a stop to any behavior they consider to be manipulative or inappropriate.
Now, we know that narcissists love to associate with famous and successful people so they can bask in that glow by proxy. As a result, they may be drawn to this type because they’re so ambitious and tend to achieve whatever they’re aiming for. The ENTJ people may be fooled by the narcissist’s mask initially, but when they fail to achieve their goals and inevitably make excuses and play victim, the ENTJ will drop them like a bad habit.
ISTP
If you know a person who jumps from one project or adventure to another and is prone to picking up and travelling at a moment’s notice, they’re likely an ISTP. These people are known as the “virtuosos”, as they’re curious about countless different subjects and skills and aim to try out as many as possible while they can. Although they may be quiet and don’t like to socialize much, they’re quite fearless and want to experience everything the world has to offer.
Some narcissists may be drawn to them because they admire the ISTP’s free spirit and sense of adventure, and want to cage it for their own amusement. They’ll be disappointed rather quickly, however, because these people rarely get attached and refuse to be tied down. Additionally, ISTP people tend to be conflict-avoidant and don’t like to discuss emotions very much. They may appear to permit the narcissist’s manipulative behavior without addressing it outright, but that’s a temporary measure: they’re making plans to ghost the narcissist and head to Nepal before they can say “gaslight”.
Final thoughts…
As with all other traits, Myers-Briggs types are general guidelines and do not define every individual who identifies with them. We are all multifaceted creatures with individual leanings, and can be drawn to narcissistic relationships for a wide variety of reasons. As such, a scathing, emotionally distant INTJ might end up with a narcissistic partner because they’re comfortable with the dynamic they had with their parent, and a soft-hearted INFP might have learned from past experiences and put self-care and healing above martyring themselves for anyone.
